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READ, RECYCLE, REWARDS for New Hope for Kids

UCF and its Cornerstone program continue to embrace New Hope for Kids in so many meaningful ways. Our newest partnership is with Gray’s Bookstore near the UCF Campus and General Manager, Colleen O’Boyle.

Colleen was introduced to New Hope for Kids when she was a Cornerstone team member. This group of business majors puts their learning to work to help local charities. “Colleen’s spirit, professionalism and Cornerstone experience has led to an ongoing commitment to New Hope for Kids and other charities. Our partnership with Gray’s Bookstore provides wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses, thereby supporting our community’s merit and substance,” states Wishes for Kids Director Rosie Wilder who works with new teams each semester.

As Colleen developed her professional career, she continued to work with various Cornerstone teams. She offers a Book Donation Program that has already generated $7,570 for New Hope for Kids! “We collected 132 boxes of books this semester alone,” states O’Boyle, “with most going to the efforts of New Hope for Kids, as that is a charity that is very close to UCF’s heart, and mine as well. Plus, we have the UCF Community to thank for our continued success, and we look forward to serving our fellow Knights and the surrounding community for years to come!”

Gray’s College Bookstores are family owned and operated serving UCF since 2008; founded in Louisville, Kentucky in 1987 by Chuck and Ellen Gray. Since 1987 they have expanded to 8 stores in 6 states, most recently in Tuscaloosa, Alabama at the University of Alabama.

For the Book Donation Program, the books can be of any genre, must be recent copyrights (within the past 5 years), in good condition (no water damage, torn pages, etc) and have an ISBN (the number by the barcode). Special collection boxes are provided by Gray’s which are used to gather books which can then be brought to their store located at 4250 Alafaya Trail, Oviedo, FL 32765. New Hope for Kids will start to have donation boxes at our Center for Grieving Children and at upcoming family events so that we can make it easy for everyone to donate.